Preview — Thunder and Lightning
by Phil Esposito

Thunder and Lightning: A No-B.S. Hockey Memoir

Hall of Famer Phil Esposito takes fans into his storied career that saw him skate in 10 All-Star games, play for three of the most storied franchises in professional hockey--Chicago Blackhawks, Boston Bruins and New York Rangers--and become the first general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Community Reviews

One does not read a book written by Phil Esposito for its prose and flowery use of the English language. In fact, the cover of the book pretty much tells it like it is, with the use of words like "ribald" in it description of the contents. Phil is pretty much what you expect Phil to be throughout this life-in-hockey memoir. He doesn't reveal a lot about his life prior to his hockey career, as player, coach, owner and president with Chicago, Boston, New York and Tampa Bay. But, as you can imagineOne does not read a book written by Phil Esposito for its prose and flowery use of the English language. In fact, the cover of the book pretty much tells it like it is, with the use of words like "ribald" in it description of the contents. Phil is pretty much what you expect Phil to be throughout this life-in-hockey memoir. He doesn't reveal a lot about his life prior to his hockey career, as player, coach, owner and president with Chicago, Boston, New York and Tampa Bay. But, as you can imagine, the stories are something else! Some of them leave you wondering why he told them. I mean, who really needs to know about Phil and his teammates walking in on wrestling superstar Andre the Giant having sex with an adoring fan? And come to think of it, Esposito comes across as a misogynist throughout the book. One wonders what Peter Golenbock was thinking as he transcribed Phil's tapes. He must have been blushing throughout. Worth a read if you are a fan of classic Original Six hockey. Otherwise, stay away!...more

Let's face it, today's hockey players are as dull as dishwater (and not particularly bright). Phil Esposito, hockey god from the 70's, is different. Always engaging and entertaining, one could never accuse him of being dull. I could hear his voice as I read the pages, that's Phil all right. Esposito, after winning the scoring title and playing on a Stanley Cup winning team, had to work construction in Sault Ste. Marie every summer to supplement his hockey income! Imagine that nowadays!

Esposito rLet's face it, today's hockey players are as dull as dishwater (and not particularly bright). Phil Esposito, hockey god from the 70's, is different. Always engaging and entertaining, one could never accuse him of being dull. I could hear his voice as I read the pages, that's Phil all right. Esposito, after winning the scoring title and playing on a Stanley Cup winning team, had to work construction in Sault Ste. Marie every summer to supplement his hockey income! Imagine that nowadays!

Esposito riffs on various people, Bobby Orr, Alan Eagleson, Harry Sinden, Gordie Howe, Bobby Hull and so many more. Best of all for we Canadians are his stories about the 1972 Canada/Russia series. Paul Henderson got the glory, but we wouldn't have won a thing without good old Espo. He was the heart and soul of our team, and wore his heart and our flag on his sleeve....more

Espo really can tell a story. Great memoir, a must read for any Bruins, Rangers or Tampa Bay fan. Love the stories of his playing days and really enjoyed the behind the scenes look at his role in the Tampa Bay franchise coming to fruition.

I liked this book by Phil Esposito because unlike most auto-biography's on athletes, he explains his life after his playing career. Most of the book was about after his time playing then when he was actually playing. It does not just explain he scored this many points in this many games in this season. It explains his life such as his marriage, his kids, his brother, where he is from and more. I liked this book because he did something bigger outside of his playing career by starting a hockey frI liked this book by Phil Esposito because unlike most auto-biography's on athletes, he explains his life after his playing career. Most of the book was about after his time playing then when he was actually playing. It does not just explain he scored this many points in this many games in this season. It explains his life such as his marriage, his kids, his brother, where he is from and more. I liked this book because he did something bigger outside of his playing career by starting a hockey franchise team, The Tampa Bay Lighting. This is one of my favorite auto-biography's on a athlete that I have ever read. My favorite genre is auto-biography so that is mostly what I read and I really liked this book....more

The writing is overly simplistic at times, which makes it a quick read, but can also make you feel like you're reading a third grader's account of things. That being said, the stories are interesting and at times hilarious. Epso is a piece of shit husband who cheated on his first two wives, but at least he admits he's a piece of shit, which makes him alright in my book.

Look, you've gotta have a pretty good idea of what you're gonna get it when you read Phil Esposito's so-called autobiography. It's long on yarns that paint a fun picture of the 70s NHL and short on insight and substance. I'd love to read a biography that actually asked critical questions and probed tricky areas. Instead, Thunder and Lightning is essentially a stream of consciousness transcript of what it might be like to sit next to Espo in a bar. Which isn't so bad, but you also know you're jusLook, you've gotta have a pretty good idea of what you're gonna get it when you read Phil Esposito's so-called autobiography. It's long on yarns that paint a fun picture of the 70s NHL and short on insight and substance. I'd love to read a biography that actually asked critical questions and probed tricky areas. Instead, Thunder and Lightning is essentially a stream of consciousness transcript of what it might be like to sit next to Espo in a bar. Which isn't so bad, but you also know you're just scratching the surface....more

As in most sports figure biography attempts, the story run heavy on personal reflection and disjointed memories. This book was really entertaining, especially after his playing days ended. His drive and desire to bring hockey to Florida was very engaing and i really enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes look at the business of obtaining financing. Phil is one of my all time favorites. Hugely loyal to the Bruins, it was sad to see him reflect on his trade and his personal feelings regarding the enAs in most sports figure biography attempts, the story run heavy on personal reflection and disjointed memories. This book was really entertaining, especially after his playing days ended. His drive and desire to bring hockey to Florida was very engaing and i really enjoyed seeing the behind the scenes look at the business of obtaining financing. Phil is one of my all time favorites. Hugely loyal to the Bruins, it was sad to see him reflect on his trade and his personal feelings regarding the end of his career in Boston. A great read for hockey fans and especially for Bruins fans. Enjoy! ...more

I've read probably a dozen hockey-related books and this by far is one of the most candid bios I've encountered.

Phil retired before my time but his legend is strong. I especially liked his transition of life after hockey playing - from his experience as a coach to his efforts in establishing the Tampa Bay Lightning franchise. He's a man who called his shots and fell victim perhaps to his own ego when it came to Tampa and playing with the Big Boys in financing.

Certainly nothing special in terms of an athlete's memoir. Lots of ego, not a whole heck of a lot of insight. Some of the backstage machinations behind building the Tampa Bay Lightning are intriguing if only to illustrate some of the backhanded business involved, but again Phil's own self-importance glazes over the truth with his spin.

As I was reading this book it felt like Phil himself was telling me his life story. That the title is 'No B.S.' is fitting. Well written and to the point. Being a hockey junkie, this was a good book that I chose to read because of its content.

Growing up, Espo was my idol. I remember where I was the day the Bruins traded him to the Rangers. I still call him the best interview in sports. He shoots from the hip -- with respect. A goal scorer and a great, determined guy. Who else could bring hockey to Florida? Only Espo.